Private Residence 1523
Shortlisted for a 2019 Northern Design Award in the category of Residential Build, Private Residence 1523 is two properties owned by a local developer. Developed and designed by GA Studio as one home for the client and a second property for him to sell, Private Residence 1523 is a site of two contemporary houses mixed with traditional influences.
PREMIER CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE spoke to David Lambert, Director of GA Studio, about the project.
How did you get involved with the project?
“It was a new client for us. I actually used to live across the road and was interested in the site. When I found out who owned the site, we had a conversation and the owner turned out to be a developer who wanted to build his own house on the site. He briefed us on what to do with the site and ideally he wanted to get at least two houses on there. We did two options for the project; one was a large house just for him and the second was two houses.”
Was there an established brief from the client or was it left more open?
“In terms of design we were actually given quite a lot of free reign and it was more about us showing the client what was appropriate for the site. His brief was as simple as one or two houses, but ideally two.”
How would you describe the look of the houses?
“They are certainly contemporary houses with traditional influences. The massing and the form of the buildings are quite traditional and typical of surrounding buildings. Likewise, the materials of the buildings are as well. The brick we have used, the slate roof and the black timber are found around the area on Victorian houses but the styling and the detailing of the houses is very contemporary making them slightly different to what is around.”
What are some of the highlights of the site?
“One of the main concepts of the house is the permeability. When you walk into the entrance hall you are quite close to the external materials so the black timber carries on into the entrance hall and so does the brickwork form the outside. You are also greeted by glazing directly in front of you which allows you to see into the back garden. The glazing also lets you see right through the house so through the living spaces and into the side garden. Once you are in the entrance hall there is a staircase which is a prominent feature in the space that runs the full three storeys of the house.”
Where you involved with the landscaping work of the project as well?
“Of the two houses, in terms of the landscaping, one of them is more individual in that we designed it for the client. He still had his own ideas but ultimately we had free reign. One of the gardens has a pond in it which makes it a more zen like space.”
What has the feedback from the client been like?
“We are now doing multiple projects for the client and we do a lot of work with him. It has all been very positive so far.”
How did it feel to be recognised with a nomination in the Northern Design Awards?
“It is always nice to be shortlisted for awards and is nice to go on to win them. This particular project didn’t win but it is still a nice thing for us to be nominated.”
How important was this project for you to be involved with?
“For me it is a particularly important project because it is very local to where I live and the client has become a close friend, so personally it was quite an important project for me because I wanted to get it exactly right for the client.”
